Becoming a Member of RVASThere are many ways to become a member of RVAS. Running with us as an EMT, EMR, driver, or cadet is one way. General volunteers can be helpful around the station to!
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JoiningThe process of joining is a relatively quick and painless one. First you contact us and tell us that you would like to give it a shot. Secondly you will be given some paper work to fill out at your leisure. Then a background check will be performed. After that your application will be reviewed by the board (note board meetings are the second Wednesday of the month), and then the service members will vote on your application at the next monthly training meeting!
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Who Will We Take?We will take anyone whether you are a EMT or just a regular Joe with no experience who just wants to be a part or maybe get there foot in the door for a career on EMS. We even have a cadet program for people 15-18 who want to become a part. The only time that we might not take potential volunteers is if they have a felony on the criminal history. So don't let parking ticket stop you from applying.
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OrientationAfter being voted on, you will be assigned to a squad. Then you will be issued radio equipment, a key, a number, and some other items. The orientation process will begin with Jenny Whitcomb, Jonathan Kessler, or another of our members. They will begin teaching you skills like driving the ambulance, using our equipment, and many more things. The length of this process varies with the individual. Once you are your trained we will sign off on your skills, and you will begin a 1 year probationary period. At the end of this period, a service vote is taken and you become a member of one of the valuable resources in your community!
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Our Cadet ProgramWe are very proud of our cadet program, which allows people from ages 15 to 17 to join and go on runs. We are the only service in the county that offers this program. Cadets are allowed to run under the supervision of their sponsor, which is an EMT who is willing to take responsibility for the cadet. Their sponsor will teach them a lot of what they will learn prior to graduating the cadet program. The cadet program is a great opportunity especially for younger people interested in becoming a EMS professional.
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Becoming a MemberOnce you've completed these steps you will be a full member which means you can do your respective job alone. Don't worry about being alone, some one will always be there if you have any questions.
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SquadsWe have three squads A, B, and C. When you join you will be assigned to one of these three squads. During squad meetings you will do some training, truck checkouts, and things like that. You will also get notifications and texts from your squad captains informing you of training opportunities and other important messages.
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